2012 NFL Free Agents: 3 WRs Who Could Replace Dwayne Bowe in Kansas City

First off, the Kansas City Chiefs need to make re-signing Dwayne Bowe a priority. With a solid ground game and a healthy Matt Cassel, Bowe can do some serious work in 2012.

That being said, if they decide to part ways here are three receivers the Chiefs should pursue to replace him.

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Reggie Wayne

The Colts veteran is experienced, can stretch the field quite well despite his age and is a great route-runner. Reggie Wayne fits well for the Chiefs.

He would be an upgrade over Bowe even if he has limited time left by comparison. Wayne compiled over 1,000 receiving yards from 2004-2010 and with a terrible offense in 2011, accounted for 960 yards on 75 receptions including four touchdowns.

Kansas City also needs some successful and experienced leadership not just on offense but the whole team. Wayne has seen great accomplishments in the postseason and has a Super Bowl ring. This is something that no one in the Chiefs organization has had since the 1969-70 NFL season, which was a win over Minnesota in Super Bowl IV.

Braylon Edwards

Had it not been for being injury-prone more than once in his career, Braylon Edwards would be a lot more marketable right now.

Still, he's had decent career with a big part of it coming from his time in Cleveland where Edwards caught 196 passes for 3,046 yards and 25 touchdowns. The next notable year was 2010 in New York.

In his second season with the Jets, Braylon caught 53 passes for 904 yards and scored seven times. Provided that health is not an issue, Cassel would have a great red-zone target if the Chiefs sign Edwards.

Edwards' athleticism is great for fade, posts and corner routes. Not to mention his size advantage is appealing for going across the middle and stock-blocking defensive backs on the edge.

Robert Meachem

Although Robert Meachem has yet to eclipse 800 receiving yards in a season, he's one of the most reliable receivers in the league. Otherwise, the New Orleans Saints' offense is missing a crucial piece to its puzzle that allows Drew Brees to spread the field.

Meachem is laterally quick, accelerates well and has solid size to stretch the field. Across the middle is where he's reliable at getting first downs which can only help an offense like Kansas City.

Of his 129 receptions between 2008-10, 86 have moved the chains. That's roughly 67 percent of his catches knowing where the sticks are, thus proving his field awareness and the ability to recognize coverages.

Even if the Chiefs do keep Bowe, it's actually not a bad idea to still consider Meachem as he'd make a strong and immediate impact, unlike Jonathan Baldwin.

John Rozum on Twitter.